Welcome to my new column — Hope for the Journey.
By way of introduction, my name is Debbie Unruh, and I am the new Executive Director of Estes Dementia Day Center. We opened in May and are currently renting space in the lower level of St. Bart’s Episcopal Church.
We are a social day program for individuals experiencing dementia. We are open Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
I know you have heard about us as the EDDC Board of Directors has worked tirelessly these past two years to get this off and running, raising over $500k to get started. You — the Estes Park community — brought this much-needed program to life! Thank you.
My intent with this column is twofold:
- To educate, inform, and inspire the Estes community about the topic and “journey” of dementia – to help us all understand the stigma, the signs, and the incredible need for socialization, enrichment, and cognitive stimulation
- To inform the community how we as a Center are bringing hope and joy to families on this journey, and in doing so, to provide support and community, so no one walks this walk alone.
Some weeks I will write a short story describing what goes on here. Some weeks I will select a topic and provide helpful information. Some weeks I will interview a board member, volunteer, or caregiver.
This week, I chose to tell a story about our morning time around the kitchen table.
One of the best parts of the day at EDDC is the morning time around the kitchen table. We enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks. It is where we welcome one another, participants, staff, and volunteers alike.
We get to know one another and talk about our families, or our gardens, or the birds, or the weather, or our travels.
We laugh and joke with one another. We reminisce about the past or tell stories. Sometimes we learn where someone grew up or what their work and profession was. Stories and memories from the distant past are important. Sometimes the past 15 minutes becomes a blur, but that doesn’t matter.
We love to share in this way because we are a community. We are connected, and the connection piece is so important for those who are experiencing dementia.
This week, we played a game called “finish the phrase.” One of the phrases was,
“If you can’t take the heat, (get out of the kitchen).
One of our guests finished the phrase, and then another one started talking about their family growing up, about being in the kitchen, and how it sparked a memory of mom cooking. It brought about a nostalgic feeling. Sometimes the facts cannot be retrieved, but the feelings are there. This is so important. I was deeply touched as I listened to their distant memory, their story, their feelings.
I walked back to my office after 45 minutes around the table. I felt proud of the “sacred” space we had created (even though we are not religious) and the volunteers who said “yes” to this loving work of “being present.”
Volunteers who are willing to invest in a segment of society here in our little mountain town that needs to be noticed, engaged, and affirmed. For certain, their families do that, but for the caregivers, the days get long, the patience runs out, and we are here to provide that extra amount of love, care, and joy. It is all about connection, community, giving hope to families, and being on this journey together.
EDDC is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Caregivers can register their loved one and interview for admission to the program by calling the office at 970-447-3550, or reach out to me at debbie@estesdementiadaycenter.org, or click here for our website.
Individuals with a dementia diagnosis are welcome. Private-pay hourly fee for services. Scholarships and sliding scale funds available.